(SeaPRwire) –   The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a statement posted to X that a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard an Atlantic Ocean cruise ship has left three people dead and multiple others sickened.

The UN health agency stated one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed via laboratory testing, while five more suspected cases are still awaiting results. Among the six impacted people, three have died, and one is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.

WHO noted it is coordinating with national governments and the ship’s operating company to arrange medical evacuation for two passengers showing infection symptoms, while continuing to evaluate public health risks for everyone still remaining on board.

“Full detailed investigations are ongoing, including additional laboratory testing and epidemiological studies,” the WHO said. “Medical care and support are being provided to all passengers and crew. Viral sequencing is also continuing.”

The outbreak is connected to the m/v Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship navigating the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

Oceanwide Expeditions, the company that operates the vessel, confirmed three passengers died during the voyage, and one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Two crew members still on board the ship also need urgent medical care, the company stated.

According to the company, as of late Sunday, authorities in Cape Verde had not approved the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical treatment or wider medical screening.

Local health officials have boarded the vessel to assess the situation, but have not yet given approval to transfer symptomatic people to medical facilities on land.

“Oceanwide Expeditions’ top priority is to ensure the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and prompt medical care,” the company said.

Dutch authorities are working to coordinate the repatriation of affected people from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, though this effort is contingent on approval from local officials, Oceanwide Expeditions noted.

Hantavirus infections are most commonly linked to exposure to urine or feces from infected rodents, and can lead to serious respiratory illness.

“While person-to-person spread is rare, hantavirus can transmit between people, cause severe respiratory illness, and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” WHO said.

There is no specific cure for the virus, though early intervention can improve a patient’s chance of survival.

WHO stated it has notified global health authorities in line with international regulations, and continues to support the ongoing response effort.

“We are currently working to confirm all details of the incident and coordinate appropriate medical care, screening and next steps,” Oceanwide Expeditions said.